Discussions

By early December we already had 2X our usual amount of snowfall by that time of year. And this weekend we didn’t go a day without shoveling out the sidewalk, driveway or parking spot… But a common problem in the city is the dreaded “parking space stealer.”  
 
Have you ever heard of “parking space savers?” They’re objects people put on the street to “save” a parking spot they’ve shoveled clean.  
 
In Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, it’s perfectly legal to use parking space savers up to 48 hours after a “snow emergency.” That’s why you’ll often see streets in those cities lined with orange cones, baby strollers, and even laundry baskets full of clothes after a storm.  
Unfortunately, parking space laws are hard to enforce, and they often create more headaches than they’re worth. In some cities there have been reports of tires slashed and windshields smashed after taking someone’s freshly shoveled spot!  
 
The other problem – it can be hard to tell the difference between parking space savers and trash because people use everything from old TV’s and chairs to old toilets to mark their territory. One Boston resident recalls seeing a bust of Elvis Presley left on the street, while someone else set a table for two – complete with a bottle of wine!  
Whether our city allows parking space savers or not, experts say most Northern cities follow an unspoken “honor system” when it comes to parking. Basically, if you want to park, etiquette dictates that you should pitch in and help clear snow. Otherwise, park at your own risk.  
 
Do you think Parking Spot Savers would work in Brandon?